Three goals by the Nanaimo Clippers in less than three minutes in the second period derailed the Coquitlam Express, 4-1, in their BC Hockey League game, Sunday at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex.
The loss leaves the Express in fourth place in the BCHL’s Coastal division standings, two points behind the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and two ahead of the Chilliwack Chiefs. The Clippers lead the table with 67 points in 45 games.
The teams finished the first period tied 1-1 after each scored late in the frame.
Nanaimo’s Jérémie Payant opened the scoring after almost 17 minutes had been played after he banked a sharp angle shot off the far post behind Coquitlam goalie Brady Smith. But with less than 30 seconds left in the period, Cameron Moger got the home team even, squibbing a shot past Clippers creaseminder Shane Shelest.
Midway through the second period, though, the game got away from the Express when Kai Danniells scored twice and Luca Grabas added another in a span of less than three minutes.
The deluge chased Smith from Coquitlam’s net in favour of Adam Manji, who proceeded to stop all 14 shots he faced.
But Express shooters were unable to get another puck past Shelest, who made 35 saves to earn his seventh win of the season.
The loss splits a pair of weekend games for Coquitlam, who defeated the Langley Rivermen 7-6 Friday at Poirier.
Gavin Giesbrecht had two goals and two assists to lead the Express attack, while Mirko Buttazzoni and added an assist.
Coquitlam opens the last month of its regular season with a game against divisional rival Surrey Eagles, Wednesday (March 1) at Poirier. Game time is 7 p.m.
The Eagles are in second place in the Coastal division, nine points ahead of the Express, as teams continue to battle for playoff seeding.
